# CLI quickstart

You'll end up with: a rented phone number and an SMS sent to your own phone. No code, no deploys, just the CLI.

## Prerequisites

- Sinch CLI installed: `npm install -g @sinch/cli`
- A Sinch account with a Project ID, API key, and API secret (find them in the [Sinch Dashboard](https://dashboard.sinch.com) under your project's Access Keys)


If you have not done the install, see [Installation](/docs/functions/cli/installation).

## Step 1 — Log in


```bash
sinch auth login
```

The CLI prompts for your Project ID, Key ID, and Key Secret. These are stored in your OS keychain (not in a config file) so they don't leak into shell history or source control.

Verify the login worked:


```bash
sinch auth status
```

You should see your Project ID printed.

## Step 2 — Search for an available number


```bash
sinch numbers available search --region US --type LOCAL
```

You will see a list of available numbers with their monthly cost and capabilities. Pick one that suits you.

Filter to SMS-capable:


```bash
sinch numbers available search --region US --type LOCAL --capabilities SMS
```

Region is an ISO country code (`US`, `GB`, `SE`, …). Type is one of `LOCAL`, `MOBILE`, or `TOLL_FREE`. Capabilities take one or more of `SMS` and `VOICE`.

## Step 3 — Rent it


```bash
sinch numbers available rent
```

Run without arguments for the interactive flow — the CLI walks you through picking a number from your search results, confirming the cost, and renting it. It appears in your active-numbers inventory right away:


```bash
sinch numbers active list
```

## Step 4 — Send an SMS

`sinch conversation send` takes the recipient and message as positional arguments:


```bash
sinch conversation send +15559876543 "Hello from the Sinch CLI!"
```

You can force a specific channel with `--channel`:


```bash
sinch conversation send +15559876543 "Hi on WhatsApp!" --channel WHATSAPP
```

The command uses the Sinch Conversation API, so WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, and other channels all work the same way as long as your Conversation App is configured for them.

## Step 5 — Try the other APIs

You now have everything wired up. Some things you can do from here without writing code:


```bash
# Send a fax
sinch fax send --from +15551234567 --to +15559876543 --file invoice.pdf

# List your SIP trunks
sinch sip trunks list

# Store an API key in the keychain so a deployed Function can use it
sinch secrets add STRIPE_SECRET_KEY sk_live_abc123

# Look at your phone number's configuration
sinch numbers active get +15551234567
```

## Step 6 — Release the number (optional)

If you rented a number just to test, release it so you are not billed for it:


```bash
sinch numbers active release +15551234567
```

## What's next

- **[Deploy a Function](#)** — host voice or messaging logic that Sinch calls whenever something happens on your number.
- **[CLI command reference](/docs/functions/cli/overview)** — everything the CLI can do.
- **[Architecture](/docs/functions/concepts/architecture)** — how the CLI, Sinch platform, and your Function fit together.